By Steve Cannizaro and Carroll Nox Devine, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
Police officers and firefighters often aren’t recognized for their work and dedication. It’s even less often that one of their spouse’s is honored, and rarer still that a police dog gets an award.
But the St. Bernard Parish Citizen Police Academy Alumni’s Peacekeepers’ Gala and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 19 did just that. Winners were chosen from a list of more than 40 nominees and presented awards in various categories. Several officers received standing ovations.
The Star of Bravery Award was given to St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s Deputies Ricky Jackson, Mark Bartholomew, Michael Ingargiola, Arthur Meyer and Robert Rogers. The deputies chased down an armed robber who shot at them.
The Distinguished Police Officer Award went to Cpl. Randy Biamonte. Biamonte won because he was nominated by his peers.
The Life-saving Award when to Fire Capt. Shaun Murphy, credited with saving a child from a burning house.
The Outstanding Reserve Officer Award when to Pete DiGangi for more than 30 years of service.
The Correctional Officer Award when to Adrian Chalona. She is credited with promoting safety within the jail for inmates and correctional officers.
The Civilian Award of Appreciation was given to Brian Riche of Poydras for his “dedication to the deputies in lower St. Bernard Parish.”
The Spouse Award went to Anna Di Maggio, the wife of Lt. David DiMaggio.
Her husband has been an officer for 16 of the 18 years of their marriage. In his nomination of his wife, Di Maggio said, “After all those years, she’s been dedicated. She never questions when I’m late, and she supported me when I took the night shift, knowing she would be alone with the kids.’ ”
A special honor was bestowed on Sgt. Ronnie Martin for his work with Renzo, the Sheriff’s Office’s first police dog. The award was bestowed posthumously on Renzo, a German shepherd who had to be put to sleep after many years of faithful service.
“He had been very active as a police dog,” Capt. Bonnie Cook said. “He even went along to the schools to help with the D.A.R.E. programs. He was a really fine member of the department.”
The awards ceremony was introduced by the presentation of the colors by the Andrew Jackson Fundamental Magnet High School Junior ROTC, and by the singing of “America the Beautiful” by 16-year-old Ashley Neff, a junior at Andrew Jackson.
About 250 people attended the event that included music by Flip Side and a buffet.
“This gala was to benefit the Citizen Police Academy Alumni,” said Nora Mainville, the group’s president.
Lt. Larry Ingargiola, director of the Crime Prevention Unit, who made opening remarks at the gala, said, “I’m really grateful for the CPA Alumni and I appreciate the tremendous amount of work that they’ve done to put this event together.”